The Hutchinson School Board Monday night reviewed the two types of assessments district students are given and why the assessments are given.

Dr. Jeanne Stroh, assistant superintendent, told the board the district has two basic types of assessment – formative and summative. Formative assessments are used to guide teachers in planning instruction so that students master the desired outcomes in classes. Formative assessments are used for screening, diagnosing and monitoring progress of students students.

Summative assessments are used at the end of instruction to determine student mastery of curriculum. Summative assessments typically are used for accountability purposes. State assessments, the ACT and end of year tests are summative. Dr. Stroh focused on the use of the ACT in the district.

Dr. Stroh and Donna Davis, district director of student learning, also reviewed the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports for positive behavior supports. The district has been working with MTSS for several years. In December 2010, district administrators, counselors and teachers attended MTSS Leadership Essentials training.

In September 2011, the District Leadership Team for Positive Behavior Supports was formed and set district behavior expectations for all students. Those expectations included safety, responsibility and respect.